September 03, 2013

Cowboys, perhaps unsure of Spencer' status, acquired former Arena League veteran DE Caesar Rayford in trade from Colts

The Cowboys made their fourth trade in as many days on Tuesday, acquiring for former Arena League defensive end Caesar Rayford from the Indianapolis Colts for a conditional 2015 draft pick.

It could be a sign of how unsure the Cowboys are about Anthony Spencer being able to play on Sunday in the season opener against the Giants. Spencer has been out since July 25 following knee surgery, which the team thought would require two to four weeks of recovery. Friday will mark the end of six weeks since the surgery.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett remains hopeful that Spencer can play against the Giants and but taking a wait and see approach until he can get on the practice field at some point this week. Even if Spencer plays, conditioning will be a factor and would likely only serve as a pass rusher.

"We've just got to see how he does, how he responds to the work," Garrett said. "He's been working hard to get back. We appreciate that. I know how much desire he has to play. He's a real pro and he's doing everything he can to get healthy and be ready to do. So we will see how he does over the next couple of days and make a decision."

Rayford, who will take the 53rd and final spot on the roster, went undrafted out of Washington in 2008 and spent the last four years in the Arena Football League, where he had 28.5 sacks with the Utah Blaze. The 6-foot-7, 245-pound end signed with the Colts in May and had a team-high five sacks, four tackle for loss and five quarterback hits in preseason. He also had two forced fumbles.

Since Saturday, the Cowboys have traded for defensive end Edgar Jones from the Chiefs, traded defensive tackle Sean Lissemore to the Chargers, claimed linebacker Kyle Bosworth off waivers and traded away tight end Dante Rosario to the Bears.